MLB40 min ago2 minute read

Fastball Freddy Wins ALCS MVP as Rays Advance to World Series

Freddy Peralta earned ALCS MVP honors after guiding the Tampa Bay Rays to the World Series with a dominant postseason run.

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A dominant run to the pennant

Freddy Peralta powered his team into the World Series and picked up the ALCS MVP award along the way. Known as Fastball Freddy, the right-hander made three appearances in the series against the Cleveland Guardians. He went 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA across those games.

Peralta closed out his series performance on Monday night. He allowed one run on five hits over 5⅓ innings during a 7-3 victory. He also pitched six scoreless innings in Game 2 and threw two big outs in relief during Game 4. Over his past 10 appearances going back to the regular season, he has allowed one run or fewer each time, and the team won all 10 games.

Turning his season around in Tampa

His success comes after a midseason change of scenery. Peralta began the year with the New York Mets, where he posted a 5-9 record and a 4.99 ERA over 22 starts. The Rays acquired him on Aug. 2.

Once he arrived in Tampa Bay, his form shifted. Peralta went 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 10 regular season starts for the Rays, earning AL pitcher of the month honors for September. Peralta credited pitching coach Kyle Snyder, bullpen coach Jorge Moncada, and bullpen catcher Charlie Valerio for helping him make adjustments.

Facing a familiar opponent

Now, Peralta gets ready to play his former team in the World Series. Before joining New York, he spent eight seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. He went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA for Milwaukee last year before being traded in January.

Peralta could pitch Game 2 in Milwaukee on four days' rest, or start Game 3 next Monday at Tropicana Field. He noted how much the city of Milwaukee means to him, but added that he is excited to compete against them on the biggest stage.

What it means for the next game

Cleveland Guardians at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Wed, 21 Oct): Tampa Bay Rays win 48%, Cleveland Guardians win 52%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, Cleveland Guardians 4. Our safest pick: Guardians +2.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers (MLB, Sat, 24 Oct): Milwaukee Brewers win 55%, Tampa Bay Rays win 45%; projected score Milwaukee Brewers 4, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Over 4 runs.